The Atkins School Board approved a new salary schedule that will correct an inequity between the salaries of teachers with master's degrees and those with bachelor's degrees.

According to Superintendent Al Davidson, the new salary schedule will make all teacher salaries well above the state minimum requirements.

Davidson also reported to board members that Sen. Sharon Trusty has agreed to speak at a board meeting later in the year. Davidson said a major responsibility of the legislature will be upgrading school facilities.

The Facilities Assessment Team will meet with Davidson on Tuesday to go over its findings from the statewide facilities assessment.

The board agreed to start construction on a practice track as soon as weather permits. Track coach Scott Glasgow and Athletic Director Charlie Sorrells requested permission from the board several months ago to construct a practice track. The track will be located around the football practice field and will be accessible to students of all ages, athletes and community members.

Glasgow, Sorrells and other members of the practice track committee have solicited contributions from individuals and businesses in the community totaling between $8,000 and $10,000.

James Dye, high school science teacher, gave a presentation about the school's Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) program. The program stresses respect for the self, the community and the environment. A picture of an Atkins student who participates in the program was featured in the 2005 Arkansas State Fishing Guidebook, Dye said.

The board adopted a vision and mission statement that supports a positive learning environment by providing for continuous improvement, individual accountability and professional development through collaboration and measurable goals.

Petitions for two student transfers from Wonderview and three student transfers from Dover were denied.

After an executive session, the board approved the employment of Shelly Pestel as a Title I Aide.